Watch US Open Tennis — Men's & Women's Singles Round 1 (Day 1) Free.

What's at Stake

The final Grand Slam of the year begins at Flushing Meadows, where the world's elite players transition to the hard courts of New York with ultimate glory on the line. For the top seeds, Day 1 is about establishing momentum and avoiding an early upset, while lower-ranked competitors view the opening round as a career-defining opportunity to make a deep run. Success in the opening round is crucial for securing vital ranking points and setting the tone for a grueling fortnight of championship tennis.

Form Guide

Heading into the tournament, the hard-court summer swing has seen a mix of dominant performances and surprising upsets across the warm-up events in Toronto, Montreal, and Cincinnati. Several top-tier players arrive in peak physical condition, having fine-tuned their baselines and service games on the fast North American courts. Conversely, others are searching for consistency after mixed results on clay and grass earlier in the season, making these opening matches highly unpredictable.

Key Players to Watch

• Carlos Alcaraz — The dynamic Spaniard looks to utilize his explosive court coverage and variety to dictate play from the very first point.
• Iga Swiatek — The women's world number one aims to impose her relentless baseline rhythm and heavy topspin on the fast New York surface.
• Coco Gauff — As a crowd favorite, the defending champion relies on her elite athleticism and powerful backhand to navigate a high-pressure opening round.

Prediction

Expect the top-seeded favorites to assert their dominance early on Day 1, with the majority securing straight-sets victories as they adjust to the stadium conditions. While a few lower-seeded players may struggle with first-round nerves and drop a set, the elite contenders are predicted to advance comfortably. The day session will likely conclude with the heavy favorites progressing to the second round without any major casualties.